IMB fights cruel realities with focus on cities
In 2020, 4.3 billion people lived in cities – that’s 56 percent of the global population. By 2050, it is estimated more than 2 billion people will be added to that number.
August 5, 2021
In 2020, 4.3 billion people lived in cities – that’s 56 percent of the global population. By 2050, it is estimated more than 2 billion people will be added to that number.
TOKYO (BP) – Japan’s population is aging. Almost 30 percent of its population is 65 years old and older. This statistic is affecting church planting, church health and church growth. International Mission Board missionaries and Japanese Christians must answer the question, “Who will lead the next generation of believers?”
IMB missionary Donn Broeker said he believes many Japanese are eager to connect with others, especially after 17 months of COVID restrictions.
We are now in the third wave, and it is the highly contagious Delta variant. So many people are getting sick. In fact, my husband tested positive this week, and my daughter and I are experiencing symptoms, so we are all in quarantine for two weeks.
Today, a Christian couple sits in prison. Arrested for sharing the gospel, they wait for another trial date to face the authorities and angry family members. They’ve been to trial already but have not yet heard a final verdict or sentencing. Trials are often postponed and drawn out, while government leaders look for further evidence against Christians and hope that believers will renounce their faith in Christ.
Wally Contreras of First Baptist Church Gahanna, Ohio, had a passion for missions before he became pastor in January 2020.
Refugee women display bracelets they made with the help of volunteers.
In January 2020, International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood announced 2025 targets built around the IMB’s vision and mission to engage unreached people and places in the next five years. The first target is “send an additional 500 missionaries.”
Reach the campus, and you can reach the world for Christ. Does that seem like an exaggeration? I was convinced that God was willing to do just that through our obedience at Henderson State University. Going to make disciples of all nations needed to start with reaching and discipling students right here on the local campus.
In the silence since the May 20 ceasefire between Israel and Gaza ended 11 days of violence, Baptist workers among Israeli and Palestinians urge churches to look past the politics and see people in need of Jesus.